#OWS - Occupy: In Their Own Words

During October and November 2011, I spent much of my free time at the Occupy Wall Street encampment in Lower Manhattan. I've long thought our media does a poor job conveying the actual issues (political, social, and economic) facing our country, so talking to a huge group of well-intentioned activists and ordinary people was refreshing. Everyone I spoke with was articulate and passionate about what they viewed as the major problems in America today.

With this video, I hope to convey the energy and excitement that permeated throughout Zuccotti Park, as well as lend a microphone to the voices of those speaking out however they could: with words, with signs, and with their occupation of a park. So many of the people I spoke to had their backs against the wall financially and yet their instinct was toward peaceful protest. Regardless of your views on their message, the sight of thousands of Americans gathering to petition their government for economic redress must be considered inspiring.

*NOTE: I am aware of isolated reports of violence at Occupy sites in NY and throughout the country. I personally never witnessed anything close to violence on the part of the protestors during dozens of visits over two months and at all times during the day. My experience saw the Occupiers as peaceful.